At least one person was killed and six others injured on Tuesday when operatives of the Ocha Brigade, Anambra’s environmental enforcement task force, opened fire during a clash with traders at the Onitsha Main Market.

The confrontation reportedly escalated into chaos, prompting police intervention to restore order.

Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra police command, confirmed the shooting. He said tactical teams were deployed to the market to calm tensions and disperse traders back to their stalls.

Ikenga identified some of the victims as Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, and Chinwe Igwe, a 22-year-old woman, alongside two others yet to be identified.

He noted that the victims were rushed to hospital, where Igwe was later confirmed dead. Her body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while the others are receiving treatment and responding positively.

Ikenga added that the task force leadership has been invited by the police to identify the shooters for prosecution.

In a separate statement, Law Mefor, Anambra commissioner for information, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible. He added that an investigation is underway to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, to disregard the national assembly’s order barring her from returning to her legislative duties.

In August, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the clerk of the national assembly, notifying him of her intention to resume on September 4, which she said marked the end of her six-month suspension.

The senator cited a July ruling of the federal high court which declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her recall. She also demanded immediate access to her office to prepare for plenary sessions, review pending business, and attend to constituency matters.

However, on September 4, Yahaya Danzaria, acting clerk of the national assembly, rejected her request. He argued that her suspension, which began on March 6, remains under litigation at the court of appeal, and until the judicial process is concluded, she cannot resume.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, described the clerk’s letter as “provocative” and “a clear and present danger to democracy.” He accused the APC-led Senate and federal government of suffocating the opposition and pushing Nigeria toward “creeping totalitarianism.”

Ologunagba also alleged that the directive against Akpoti-Uduaghan reflects a broader attempt to silence women in politics, citing past allegations of harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“The extreme persecution of a six-month suspension unjustly imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is more than enough,” Ologunagba said. He urged the clerk to withdraw his letter, warning against turning the national assembly into a political tool.

The PDP further called on the international community and rights groups to condemn what it described as a renewed attack on Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The party insisted that the senator should resume immediately, stressing that her suspension has expired and that continued resistance undermines both democracy and the rule of law.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Previous attempts by her to return have been resisted by the national assembly leadership.

In a powerful address at the recent book unveiling of ‘Making Movies the Nollywood Way’, top legal mind Dr. Muiz Banire SAN called for an urgent revival of the reading culture in Nigeria to correct societal ills.

The book, published by Best of Nollywood (BON) founder Seun Oloketuyi, served as the perfect backdrop for Dr. Banire’s plea, and was launched on Sunday, September 7 at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Dr. Banire, who shared a personal anecdote to illustrate his point, he recalls how he felt when he gifted copies of the King of Dubai’s memoirs to friends aspiring to be governors. To his dismay, upon follow-up months later, he discovered most of them had not read the book.

This underscores his sentiment on why reading culture must be revived to both document and instruct.

Echoing this sentiment was the immediate past speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji, who lamented that many successful Nigerians fail to document their experiences for the benefit of others. He described Oloketuyi’s book as a commendable effort to deepen knowledge within the creative sector.

The author, Seun Oloketuyi, explained that his goal for the book is to serve as a tool for young, aspiring creative minds, offering them a chance to learn and be mentored by successful industry practitioners profiled within its pages. The book received praise from featured filmmakers like Biodun Stephen and Yemi Morafa, who commended the publisher and acknowledged the significant role the BON Awards have played in their career development.

While speaking at the event, the two filmmakers both credited the author’s tenacity and passion for Nollywood’s continued growth.

Also in attendance at the event, were a host of dignitaries, including representatives of Oba Saheed Elegushi and Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism Toke Benson. The gathering also saw the presence of actress Biola Adebayo, Barrister Pelumi Olajegbesi, Gboyega Akosile, Hon. Desmond Elliot, and other prominent figures, all united in celebrating a publication aimed at fostering knowledge and growth.